The main danger is that these birds can be frightened away from their nests in spring, leaving eggs or young vulnerable to the cold, or to predators such as crows. Obviously the disturbance could be quite ‘natural’ like a passing fox – but people straying from the main tracks, with or without dogs, are an additional risk.

Activities designed to address the issue include:

Signs at the best breeding sites, which are put out each year by Forestry Commission staff

The Date with Nature project at the Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst where one of the key themes is ground nesting birds

A Dog Walking Code, compiled with dog owners as well as wildlife enthusiasts, together with a range of ways to promote it

Face to face conversation with walkers, asking them to stick to the main tracks and to keep their dogs close by between March and the end of July.

Find out more about New Forest ground-nesting birds in this short film narrated by broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham: